A UK GOVERNMENT minister spent time at a Denbighshire business during a two-day visit to North Wales.
Business and Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston visited a number of exporting businesses during his visit, including the St Asaph-based Fifth Wheel Company, an SME specialising in the design and manufacture of luxury touring caravans.
During the two days, Mr Huddleston met with businesses, heard about their exporting journeys and highlighted how they can seize the benefits of the UK’s trade deals with Australia and New Zealand.
These deals are comprehensive, modern agreements that will remove tariffs on all UK goods exported to Australia and New Zealand , making local businesses across Wales more competitive in both markets.
The deals are due to come into force this year and could boost the Welsh economy by £75 million.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Huddleston said:
“It’s great to be in Wales to see first-hand the inspiring global export journeys of local businesses and learn about the fantastic products which will benefit from our ground-breaking trade deals once they come into force.
“The elimination of tariffs under our deals with Australia and New Zealand will help Welsh businesses - including the ones I have had the pleasure of visiting - to export more, support jobs and grow our economy.
“I’d encourage businesses across Wales and the rest of the UK to take advantage of the incredible opportunities being created.”
Sales executive at the Fifth Wheel Company, George De Veray Davey, said:
“Fifth Wheel is delighted to welcome Minister Huddleston to our factory in north Wales.
“We have been exporting our luxury caravans to Australia and New Zealand customers for the last five years.
"The leisure and camping market within these countries is growing.
“We have already embarked on a trade mission to strengthen our position in these markets, and we believe that the Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreements will further assist us in our search to increase exports of our products to markets of growing importance.”
Under-Secretary of State for Wales and Vale of Clwyd MP James Davies joined Mr Huddleston during his visit.
Dr Davies said:
“North Wales is home to hundreds of incredible businesses, many of which export their products across the world.
“It was fantastic to visit some of them and hear about how the UK Government can create further opportunities to help them grow and bring further jobs and prosperity to our communities.”
